Need and Scope for Di-Digitalisation in Governance
About Author: Harshit Kumar Kushwaha is pre doc fellow in Information System Management at IIM Bangalore, India. He is post graduated in Development Studies from IIT Mandi. He has qualified for UGC NET and GATE national-level exams. He is using the term 'De-digitalisation' firstly here in the essay which suggest an alternative way to avoid forceful digital trafsformation in governance.
Need and Scope for De-digitalisation in Governance
Introduction
In an era dominated by digital advancements, the notion of de-digitalisation in governance may seem counterintuitive. However, the increasing dependency on digital systems has unveiled several challenges that necessitate a re-evaluation of this dependence. De-digitalisation does not imply a complete abandonment of digital tools but rather a strategic reduction and diversification to ensure resilience, inclusivity, and security in governance. This essay explores the need for de-digitalisation in governance, examining its potential scope and benefits.
The Need for De-digitalisation
1. Digital Divide
One of the primary drivers for considering de-digitalisation is the persistent digital divide. Despite the proliferation of technology, significant portions of the population remain without reliable access to digital services. This divide exacerbates social inequality, as those without digital access are often left out of essential governmental services and information. By reintroducing non-digital methods, governance can become more inclusive, ensuring that all citizens have access to services irrespective of their digital connectivity.
2. Cybersecurity Risks
The increasing sophistication of cyber threats poses a substantial risk to digital governance. Cyberattacks on government systems can lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and a loss of public trust. While strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial, reducing the dependence on digital systems can also mitigate these risks. By maintaining or reintroducing analog processes and offline systems, governments can create redundancies that safeguard critical operations from cyber vulnerabilities.
3. Privacy Concerns
The digitalisation of governance often involves extensive data collection and surveillance, raising significant privacy concerns. Citizens' personal data can be exposed to misuse or unauthorized access, leading to a breach of privacy rights. De-digitalisation can help alleviate these concerns by limiting the amount of personal data collected and stored digitally. This approach can foster greater public trust and ensure that privacy is respected in governmental processes.
4. Technological Failures
Dependence on digital systems also makes governance susceptible to technological failures. System crashes, software bugs, and technical malfunctions can disrupt services, causing delays and inefficiencies. By maintaining manual or alternative processes, governments can ensure continuity of services even when digital systems fail. This redundancy is critical for maintaining the reliability and robustness of governance.
The Scope of De-digitalisation
1. Hybrid Systems
A practical approach to de-digitalisation involves creating hybrid systems that integrate both digital and analog processes. For instance, while digital platforms can be used for efficiency and speed, manual methods can be retained for critical functions as a backup. This hybrid approach ensures that services remain accessible and operational under various circumstances.
2. Strengthening Local Governance
Local governance structures can particularly benefit from de-digitalisation. In rural and remote areas where digital infrastructure is often inadequate, traditional methods of governance, such as face-to-face interactions and paper-based records, can be more effective. Empowering local authorities with non-digital tools ensures that governance reaches the grassroots level, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
3. Training and Capacity Building
Effective de-digitalisation requires investing in training and capacity building for government officials. Equipping them with skills to manage both digital and non-digital processes ensures that they can adapt to various situations and maintain service delivery standards. This dual competency enhances the overall resilience of governance structures.
4. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Developing robust policy and regulatory frameworks is essential for implementing de-digitalisation. Governments need to establish guidelines on the use of digital and non-digital processes, ensuring that both methods are integrated effectively. Policies should also address issues such as data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity to create a balanced governance ecosystem.
Conclusion
The need for de-digitalisation in governance arises from the imperative to bridge the digital divide, mitigate cybersecurity risks, protect privacy, and ensure service continuity amidst technological failures. The scope of de-digitalisation encompasses the development of hybrid systems, strengthening local governance, enhancing training and capacity building, and creating robust policy frameworks. By strategically reducing dependency on digital systems and reintroducing non-digital methods, governments can create a more inclusive, resilient, and secure governance structure. In doing so, they can ensure that the benefits of both digital and traditional methods are harnessed to serve all citizens effectively.
